Posted on 10/08/2013 1:22:53 PM PDT by cotton1706
Infuriated over the delay of death benefits to fallen American soldiers due to the government shutdown, Sen. John McCain railed against the “false premise” that some Republicans have proliferated: that it is possible to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
“To somehow think that we were going to repeal Obamacare, which would have required 67 Republican votes [in the Senate] was a false premise, and I think we did the American people a great disservice by convincing them somehow we could,” McCain said. "We started out with a false premise on this side of the aisle."
In the Senate, 67 Republican votes would be required to overturn a presidential veto, a likely occurrence while Democrats control the White House. Republicans only control 46 seats in the Senate.
McCain then went on to passionately criticize Congress for not being able to negotiate a compromise, despite the government shutdown that is now in its eighth day.
“Shouldn’t we be embarrassed about this? Shouldn’t we be ashamed?” McCain asked. “What do the American people think when they see that death benefits for those who served and sacrificed in the most honorable way… are not even eligible for death benefits?”
The Arizona Republican spoke to a nearly-full chamber, because Senate Democrats made the rare move of calling all senators to the floor.
The Arizona Republican pointed to two cases of the government shutdown: charities delivering food to people who are trapped in the Grand Canyon, and the delay of military death benefits for the families of fallen soldiers.
“I frankly, get a little bit emotional,” he said. “The list goes on and on, of people, of innocent Americans who have fallen victim to the reality that we can’t sit down and talk like grownups.”
Suggesting negotiations over the medical device tax and removing special health care benefits to Congress, McCain said, "there's a number of issues that we could down and negotiate within an hour if we will stop attacking each other and impugning people's integrity."
"Let's start this afternoon. I don't care who it is or how it's shaped. But let's sit down and get out of this so that these families whose loved ones just died will receive the benefits at least that would give them some comfort and solace in this terrible hour of tragedy," he added.
Where did McCain’s buddy Lindsey Graham disappear to ?
Do you people in AZ NOT have some sort of damn recourse when it comes to this fool?
Why doesn’t your state government pass a formal letter of condemnation against him? Where is your governor?
I know one Senator who should be ashamed for not voting against Dingy.
McCain’s 2008 candidacy was a false premise.
What a moron. He need a slip and fall in the grocery store.
McCain is in the wrong party.
If he’d pointed to the House minibills as a solution I’d have liked his remarks.
But, of course he didn’t: “Senate Uber Alles!” he and Reid sing together.
McCain’s backstabbing of Conservatives is getting old but it’s to be expected from a RAT collaborator.
FU John McCain and the faggot named Lindsey that you rode in on!
McCain needs to STFU.
Another Democrat rant.
If McCain is complaining we must be on the right track.
I realize that I’m parsing, and it’s semantics, but 67 VOTES are required in the Senate, not 67 Republican votes. Granted, I understand the chances of a Dem crossing the aisle are next to nothing, but somehow we’ve got to take back the notion that they are elected to represent us.
Mr. niteowl77
Get off my lawn old man !
mclame has overplayed his “I’m a veteran and a former POW” card. STFU, you senile moron.
They got rid of prohibition right quick. Stop with the law thing.
McCain switched sides a long time ago. I wouldnt be surprised one bit if he voted for Obama in 2012
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